John Boehner Elected House Speaker

The Ohio Republican takes over for Nancy Pelosi following a GOP electoral wave in November.

WASHINGTON ( TheStreet) -- Rep. John Boehner of Ohio was voted Speaker of the House Wednesday, ushering in a return of Republican control of the legislative chamber.

Boehner, 61, who follows Democrat Nancy Pelosi (D., Calif.), represents the shift in power in the House of Representatives following a sweeping GOP electoral victory in November. The Democrats still maintain control of the Senate.

House Speaker-designate John Boehner of Ohio greets House members during the first session of the 112th Congress at the Capitol in Washington.

"The American people have humbled us," said Boehner, who previously served as House Minority Leader from 2007-11 and House Majority Leader from 2006-07. "They have refreshed our memories as to just how temporary the privilege to serve is. They have reminded us that everything here is on loan from them.

"That includes this gavel, which I accept cheerfully and gratefully, knowing I am but its caretaker. After all, this is the people's House. This is their Congress. It's about them, not us.

"What they want is a government that is honest, accountable and responsive to their needs. A government that respects individual liberty, honors our heritage, and bows before the public it serves."

Republicans in the new House, who are being pushed to rein in spending by the grass-roots Tea Party movement, have vowed, among other objectives, the overturn of President Obama's historic health care law and a review of stricter regulation of business.